"Ben-Hur" is a classic historical novel by Lew Wallace that tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is falsely accused of treason and sent into slavery by his childhood friend, Messala. The novel begins with the story of the Three Wise Men, who see a bright star shining over the region and follow it through the desert toward the province of Judaea. Meanwhile, Mary and Joseph pass through the Joppa Gate in Jerusalem on their way to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a cave on a nearby hillside. The shepherds and the magi both come to worship the newborn Christ, and Herod the Great becomes fearful of the potential threat to his rule. As the story progresses, Ben-Hur's path intersects with that of Jesus, who becomes a central figure in the novel's themes of forgiveness, compassion, and faith. The novel climaxes with the famous chariot race between Ben-Hur and Messala, but who will win this? What will the story conclude? "Ben-Hur" is a sweeping epic that seamlessly weaves together historical events and fictional characters, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that has captivated readers for over a century.
Lew Wallace was an American lawyer, soldier, diplomat, and author, best known for his novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ." Born in Indiana in 1827, Wallace served as a young man in the Mexican-American War and later rose to the rank of Union general in the American Civil War. Wallace began writing "Ben-Hur" in 1874, drawing inspiration from his travels in the Middle East and his interest in Christianity. The novel tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is falsely accused of treason and sent to slavery in ancient Rome. Through a series of events, Ben-Hur becomes a charioteer and seeks revenge against his betrayer, while encountering Jesus Christ along the way. Aside from "Ben-Hur," Wallace wrote several other novels and biographies, as well as serving as governor of the New Mexico Territory and ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. However, his enduring legacy rests on his masterpiece, which has become an iconic part of American literature and culture.
